Sometimes it takes much longer if a 'red flag' pops up. Then they do a more intensive background check.
Something in my distant past popped up once. I had to describe in writing all the circumstances. After that was reviewed I had a telephone interview with an ATF agent. Mostly to confirm the content of my letter and to verify my identity. No confirmation or denial by phone. Only a very polite thank you for my time. My C&R arrived about three weeks later. Total time was nearly three months. After all that I let it expire in the mid-80's LOL

There was a certain side benefit though. Anytime I needed Defense Department or Treasury Department clearances for my job, my name usually cleared before others on my crew.
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